Rookie defenseman expected to make NHL debut Tuesday in Philadelphia

The New York Islanders announced today that defenseman Aaron Ness has been recalled from loan on emergency basis from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League (AHL). The emergency transaction came after defenseman Milan Jurcina suffered an elbow laceration on Friday, Feb. 3 and defenseman Travis Hamonic suffered a broken nose on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Ness, 21, has 17 points (two goals, 15 assists) with a plus-6 rating in 46 games for the Sound Tigers this season. The Roseau, MN, native ranks second amongst Sound Tigers defensemen in scoring.

The Islanders selected Ness in the second round, 40th overall, of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Ness joined the Sound Tigers on an amateur tryout agreement last season after completing his college campaign at the University of Minnesota. In three seasons with the Golden Gophers, Ness scored 41 points (four goals, 37 assists) in 111 games.

On the international stage, Ness helped lead the U.S. to a Bronze Medal at the Under-18 World Junior Championships in 2008. That year, he also won the “Mr. Hockey” Award as the top high school player in Minnesota, leading all Minnesota High School defenseman in scoring with 72 points (28 goals, 44 assists) in 31 games.